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Je Anne Boleyn #2
Truth Endures: Je Anne Boleyn
On 1st June 1533, the ancient, traditional rituals of coronation are carried out, and Anne Boleyn emerges as Queen Anne Boleyn, a queen destined to rule alongside her husband, King Henry VIII of England.
It's the culmination of everything the couple have worked for and the reward for their perseverance. And Anne is pregnant. They fervently believe that she is carrying Henry's longed-for son and heir. The entire world lies at Anne's feet.
But being queen is not easy. Anne is determined to be a loving mother, devoted wife, enlightened spiritual reformer, and a wise, benevolent queen. But others are hoping and praying for her failure. Her status and very life become precarious as people spread downright lies to advance their objectives.
But the truth will endure. This story is Anne's truth.
-------------------
Book Two of Sandra Vasoli's Je Anne Boleyn series is a gripping account of Anne’s effort to negotiate her position in the treacherous court of Henry VIII, where every word uttered might pose danger, where absolute loyalty to the King is of critical importance, and in which the sweeping tide of religious reform casts a backdrop of intrigue and peril. The story is recounted in Anne’s clear, decisive voice, leading to an unforgettable conclusion.
It's the culmination of everything the couple have worked for and the reward for their perseverance. And Anne is pregnant. They fervently believe that she is carrying Henry's longed-for son and heir. The entire world lies at Anne's feet.
But being queen is not easy. Anne is determined to be a loving mother, devoted wife, enlightened spiritual reformer, and a wise, benevolent queen. But others are hoping and praying for her failure. Her status and very life become precarious as people spread downright lies to advance their objectives.
But the truth will endure. This story is Anne's truth.
-------------------
Book Two of Sandra Vasoli's Je Anne Boleyn series is a gripping account of Anne’s effort to negotiate her position in the treacherous court of Henry VIII, where every word uttered might pose danger, where absolute loyalty to the King is of critical importance, and in which the sweeping tide of religious reform casts a backdrop of intrigue and peril. The story is recounted in Anne’s clear, decisive voice, leading to an unforgettable conclusion.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 19, 2016
24 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Sandra Vasoli
6 books41 followersI grew up in a historic area just outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the US. Being surrounded by some of the oldest houses and buildings in the United States, along with historical reminders of the Revolutionary War, I developed a deep and abiding fascination for all things archival: events, fashion, mannerisms, houses—also words and language. I earned a bachelor’s degree from Villanova University majoring in both Biology and English. Along with graduate studies, I did scientific research for global companies, followed by a long career in human resources for the R&D division of one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies. My intense focus on people and their behaviors has informed how I develop the characters in my writing.
One of my favorite historical periods is the sixteenth century– primarily the English Tudor dynasty. What could be more engaging and impassioned than the dynamics which ruled the Court of Henry VIII?
With keen fascination for the breathtaking life of Henry’s second queen, Anne Boleyn, I wrote about a love story for the ages. Truth Endures, Anne Boleyn’s Memoir: a novel, tell the tale of of Anne and Henry, a pair matched in brilliance but ultimately tortured by their liaison.
I am a devotee of research via original sources and visit the sites frequented by my stories’ heroes. Viewing letters and documents they touched and wrote, and those read with their own eyes, is a thrill which is hard to describe. Whenever possible, I examine objects which belonged to them so many centuries ago. A moment I’ll never forget was the opportunity to hold the beautiful Book of Hours in which Anne and Henry wrote messages of love to one another. Paramount among thrilling historical exploits was the privilege of visiting the Papal Archives in the Vatican Library twice, to view the original love letters Henry penned to Anne over 480 years ago.
Investigations in the British Library Archives led me to surprising new information about a mysterious letter, which many believe was authored by Anne while imprisoned in the Tower of London awaiting execution. I published my discoveries and the updated findings in a new edition of the nonfiction study, Anne Boleyn’s Letter From the Tower.
I would love to hear from you; you can reach me via Twitter (@queenannefan), Instagram (@sandravasolibooks), Facebook https://www.facebook.com/historicfict..., or email: sandi.vasoli@gmail.com.
One of my favorite historical periods is the sixteenth century– primarily the English Tudor dynasty. What could be more engaging and impassioned than the dynamics which ruled the Court of Henry VIII?
With keen fascination for the breathtaking life of Henry’s second queen, Anne Boleyn, I wrote about a love story for the ages. Truth Endures, Anne Boleyn’s Memoir: a novel, tell the tale of of Anne and Henry, a pair matched in brilliance but ultimately tortured by their liaison.
I am a devotee of research via original sources and visit the sites frequented by my stories’ heroes. Viewing letters and documents they touched and wrote, and those read with their own eyes, is a thrill which is hard to describe. Whenever possible, I examine objects which belonged to them so many centuries ago. A moment I’ll never forget was the opportunity to hold the beautiful Book of Hours in which Anne and Henry wrote messages of love to one another. Paramount among thrilling historical exploits was the privilege of visiting the Papal Archives in the Vatican Library twice, to view the original love letters Henry penned to Anne over 480 years ago.
Investigations in the British Library Archives led me to surprising new information about a mysterious letter, which many believe was authored by Anne while imprisoned in the Tower of London awaiting execution. I published my discoveries and the updated findings in a new edition of the nonfiction study, Anne Boleyn’s Letter From the Tower.
I would love to hear from you; you can reach me via Twitter (@queenannefan), Instagram (@sandravasolibooks), Facebook https://www.facebook.com/historicfict..., or email: sandi.vasoli@gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 9, 2016
I already knew i would enjoy this books having read "Struck with the Dart of Love" two years ago. What i didn't expect however, was how much i would love it.
For me, Sandra Vasoli truly 'gets' Anne Boleyn. She understands the different sides to her personality, her charm, her intelligence, her wit, her courage, her passion, her ambition, and of course her jealousy and insecurity. She doesn't fall into the trap of so many fictional authors and present the person who the story is being told through as a perfect saint, she makes them appear human.
Sandra doesn't wash over bits such as the difficult relationship between Anne and her stepdaughter Mary, and she doesn't make Anne out to be entirely innocent in that situation - which is something many other fictional authors would do. But at the same time she shows another side to Anne's personality that those who have studied her life (such as myself) know about, but all too often gets ignored... Her compassion and her charity! This is something that gets a strong focus throughout the book.
Another thing Sandra does which i love, is how she presents the relationship between Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII! All too often, the easy (and quite lazy) story is that their relationship cooled after Elizabeth's birth.. Not the case here! Of course there are occasional rows throughout (as we know there were), but this is presented as them being a typical married couple and that of same minds and equals.
Other highlights for me included the coronation, the 1535 progress, the tragedy of 1534, and of course the tragic end!
Sandra clearly understands perfectly the trials and tribulations Anne had to go through, she understands how she must have felt. As i said previously, she truly gets Anne Boleyn 100% presenting her - in what is my own opinion - in the best way she has ever been presented in any historical drama whether that be in movies, TV, other fictional books etc (even my all time favorite Anne of the Thousand Days). I cannot begin to describe the amount of times i felt myself going YES inside my head while i read it, as i felt parts were just so spot on.
This book presents Anne as she was; Intelligent, Charismatic, Witty, Religious, Charitable, Passionate, and occasionally, Temperamental. If you love historical fiction, you will love this as it is easy to read and digest, is beautifully written, and of course, you will learn many interesting things as you go along about Anne, as it is incredibly factual as well.
I long for the day when the "Je Anne Boleyn" series gets turned into a TV series or movie.
For me, Sandra Vasoli truly 'gets' Anne Boleyn. She understands the different sides to her personality, her charm, her intelligence, her wit, her courage, her passion, her ambition, and of course her jealousy and insecurity. She doesn't fall into the trap of so many fictional authors and present the person who the story is being told through as a perfect saint, she makes them appear human.
Sandra doesn't wash over bits such as the difficult relationship between Anne and her stepdaughter Mary, and she doesn't make Anne out to be entirely innocent in that situation - which is something many other fictional authors would do. But at the same time she shows another side to Anne's personality that those who have studied her life (such as myself) know about, but all too often gets ignored... Her compassion and her charity! This is something that gets a strong focus throughout the book.
Another thing Sandra does which i love, is how she presents the relationship between Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII! All too often, the easy (and quite lazy) story is that their relationship cooled after Elizabeth's birth.. Not the case here! Of course there are occasional rows throughout (as we know there were), but this is presented as them being a typical married couple and that of same minds and equals.
Other highlights for me included the coronation, the 1535 progress, the tragedy of 1534, and of course the tragic end!
Sandra clearly understands perfectly the trials and tribulations Anne had to go through, she understands how she must have felt. As i said previously, she truly gets Anne Boleyn 100% presenting her - in what is my own opinion - in the best way she has ever been presented in any historical drama whether that be in movies, TV, other fictional books etc (even my all time favorite Anne of the Thousand Days). I cannot begin to describe the amount of times i felt myself going YES inside my head while i read it, as i felt parts were just so spot on.
This book presents Anne as she was; Intelligent, Charismatic, Witty, Religious, Charitable, Passionate, and occasionally, Temperamental. If you love historical fiction, you will love this as it is easy to read and digest, is beautifully written, and of course, you will learn many interesting things as you go along about Anne, as it is incredibly factual as well.
I long for the day when the "Je Anne Boleyn" series gets turned into a TV series or movie.
February 29, 2020
A magnificent read
April 22, 2021
One of the best Historical novels of Henry and Anne
Of the many many books I have read about That Anne Boleyn this book is at the top of the list. The reason being that Anne is not portrayed as a gold digger or quite frankly a bitch. I believe she was highly intelligent and educated in so many ways that she attracted Henry's attention. To read the story with Henry and Anne having the special relationship that is portrayed is very refreshing from other writings that portray her as a cold woman for no compassion or feelings for the people around her. I believe she wanted to make changes for the good of England and loved Elizabeth very much. If you think of any woman's position back then if the King wanted you, you had no other choice but to comply. Good for her insisting on marriage before handing over the goods. People want to blame Anne for Katherine's and Mary's ill treatment. Anne did not have that kind of power it was Henry who insisted on it until they complied, he could have stopped it at anytime. I believe Anne Boleyn was innocent of her charges. She was deeply religious and if I remember correctly the dates which she was accused of adultery she was either pregnant or in confinement. How would a Queen have an affair when constantly surrounded by her woman. I place the blame on Cromwell and Henry's obsession to have a son. It gives me great joy knowing Elizabeth the daughter of Anne Boleyn was one of the longest and most successful monarchs English ever had. You can also thank Anne Boleyn for the start of the reformation of religion in England. It wasn't just men involved but a very smart woman who helped start the break from Rome. I wish I could have known her.
Of the many many books I have read about That Anne Boleyn this book is at the top of the list. The reason being that Anne is not portrayed as a gold digger or quite frankly a bitch. I believe she was highly intelligent and educated in so many ways that she attracted Henry's attention. To read the story with Henry and Anne having the special relationship that is portrayed is very refreshing from other writings that portray her as a cold woman for no compassion or feelings for the people around her. I believe she wanted to make changes for the good of England and loved Elizabeth very much. If you think of any woman's position back then if the King wanted you, you had no other choice but to comply. Good for her insisting on marriage before handing over the goods. People want to blame Anne for Katherine's and Mary's ill treatment. Anne did not have that kind of power it was Henry who insisted on it until they complied, he could have stopped it at anytime. I believe Anne Boleyn was innocent of her charges. She was deeply religious and if I remember correctly the dates which she was accused of adultery she was either pregnant or in confinement. How would a Queen have an affair when constantly surrounded by her woman. I place the blame on Cromwell and Henry's obsession to have a son. It gives me great joy knowing Elizabeth the daughter of Anne Boleyn was one of the longest and most successful monarchs English ever had. You can also thank Anne Boleyn for the start of the reformation of religion in England. It wasn't just men involved but a very smart woman who helped start the break from Rome. I wish I could have known her.
December 20, 2017
I loved reading both of your books and look forward to reading more.
Out of all the books on Anne these are the best so far. Thank you for a fresh outlook on her life.
Out of all the books on Anne these are the best so far. Thank you for a fresh outlook on her life.
March 26, 2022
Middling
Once again we have the really sad situation where Anne is portrayed as a bland but occasionally shrewish and unpleasant person..
I'm lost in the whole thing.. I've read Vasolis' short non-fiction work on the letter Anne wrote to Henry from the tower. Vasoli gave the impression that she'd realised that Anne and Henry's relationship was much misunderstood following viewing and reading the love letters written by Henry that are in the Vatican archives.
So I am yes disappointed that once again we are seeing the Anne we are always shown, Anne who is to blame when really she wasn't it was the whole court system of currying favour and oneupmanship.
It is fair to say that the evidence against her was not true, with the main part being confessions under torture where it reaches a point where they would say anything for it to stop. Cromwell did not pass her letter to the king because he couldn't give her any opportunity to turn Henry, his own neck would be on the block instead; deservedly he received his comeuppance in the end. The court was still divided over Katherine and Anne had enemies within her own family who were willing to do anything, accusing her of incest with George is pretty extreme, to see her gone.. yet they did not achieve their desired end, Henry was never going to quietly give back the power to the Pope so actually they failed their overall aim.
Yet this Anne Boleyn a woman who captivated a King, who aroused passionate argument, who created division and finally engendered such hatred from her enemies that she was brought to the block on trumped up charges, the Anne who wrote to Henry as plain Anne Bullen his beloved wife, rather than as a Queen, who pleaded for him to be forgiven at his final reckoning because she loved him so, this Anne is really not shown here. Where is the impassioned speech she made from the block? Where is the verse she(?) wrote about facing death?
The Anne in these pages doesn't match.. this Anne doesn't make sense from either perspective she's neither adored nor hated she's just drifting.. we don't see the boiling, building resentment towards her from the court, we don't hear the insidious whispers, feel the mounting pressure or her desperation. It's just a bit lacking.
I'm sure Vasoli has done her research, she's seen the original documents after all but hasn't found a way to blend the facts into her fiction with passion, nor with the hindsight of 500 years.. and passion is a word that eminently fits Anne. She was so passionately adored by Henry he built a new Church with himself at its head to get around the Pope. A passion that lasted a decade, he waited for her.. this is a King, a man who was known for his intent to do as he pleased when he pleased, a partying king who spared no expense on enjoying life and giving opulent gifts to those in his favour and having finished both books I'm not convinced he would have done so for this Anne.
Once again we have the really sad situation where Anne is portrayed as a bland but occasionally shrewish and unpleasant person..
I'm lost in the whole thing.. I've read Vasolis' short non-fiction work on the letter Anne wrote to Henry from the tower. Vasoli gave the impression that she'd realised that Anne and Henry's relationship was much misunderstood following viewing and reading the love letters written by Henry that are in the Vatican archives.
So I am yes disappointed that once again we are seeing the Anne we are always shown, Anne who is to blame when really she wasn't it was the whole court system of currying favour and oneupmanship.
It is fair to say that the evidence against her was not true, with the main part being confessions under torture where it reaches a point where they would say anything for it to stop. Cromwell did not pass her letter to the king because he couldn't give her any opportunity to turn Henry, his own neck would be on the block instead; deservedly he received his comeuppance in the end. The court was still divided over Katherine and Anne had enemies within her own family who were willing to do anything, accusing her of incest with George is pretty extreme, to see her gone.. yet they did not achieve their desired end, Henry was never going to quietly give back the power to the Pope so actually they failed their overall aim.
Yet this Anne Boleyn a woman who captivated a King, who aroused passionate argument, who created division and finally engendered such hatred from her enemies that she was brought to the block on trumped up charges, the Anne who wrote to Henry as plain Anne Bullen his beloved wife, rather than as a Queen, who pleaded for him to be forgiven at his final reckoning because she loved him so, this Anne is really not shown here. Where is the impassioned speech she made from the block? Where is the verse she(?) wrote about facing death?
The Anne in these pages doesn't match.. this Anne doesn't make sense from either perspective she's neither adored nor hated she's just drifting.. we don't see the boiling, building resentment towards her from the court, we don't hear the insidious whispers, feel the mounting pressure or her desperation. It's just a bit lacking.
I'm sure Vasoli has done her research, she's seen the original documents after all but hasn't found a way to blend the facts into her fiction with passion, nor with the hindsight of 500 years.. and passion is a word that eminently fits Anne. She was so passionately adored by Henry he built a new Church with himself at its head to get around the Pope. A passion that lasted a decade, he waited for her.. this is a King, a man who was known for his intent to do as he pleased when he pleased, a partying king who spared no expense on enjoying life and giving opulent gifts to those in his favour and having finished both books I'm not convinced he would have done so for this Anne.
June 8, 2016
I love that Sandra Vasoli's Je Anne Boleyn novels have the feel of a memoire. It's as if I've sat down with Anne herself to hear the tale of how she came to be the king's love and executed queen. Vasoli fills her tale with rich detail, yet it is extremely readable. I was so sucked in that I devoured the book fairly quickly. Without giving away too much, I can say that I really enjoyed the way Vasoli ended her heartrending saga.
July 4, 2016
Another great story
I truly enjoyed this book as we'll as the first book in this duo. I especially liked the story being told in Anne's voice. A great bit of storytelling and a book to be enjoyed by Tudorphiles.
I truly enjoyed this book as we'll as the first book in this duo. I especially liked the story being told in Anne's voice. A great bit of storytelling and a book to be enjoyed by Tudorphiles.
July 25, 2016
Thoughtful and thought provoking memoir-style account. As in the first book of the series, Vasoli had some takes on the story that challenged my own longstanding beliefs - but that were compelling enough to make me think she might be right (the christening gown scene - enough said!). Great read.
May 20, 2016
Riveting!!!
Wonderfully written felt like you are part of the story. Really enjoyed this can't wait to read more from this author.
Wonderfully written felt like you are part of the story. Really enjoyed this can't wait to read more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews